Other Treatment

Carotid artery stenting (also called carotid angioplasty and stenting) is sometimes done as an alternative to surgery to prevent stroke.

In this procedure, a doctor threads a thin tube called a catheter through an artery in the groin and up to the carotid artery in your neck. The doctor then uses a tiny balloon to enlarge the narrowed portion of the artery and places a stent to keep the artery open.

Other Places To Get Help

Organizations

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

NIH Neurological Institute

P.O. Box 5801

Bethesda, MD 20824

Phone:

1-800-352-9424

Phone:

(301) 496-5751

TDD:

(301) 468-5981

Web Address:

www.ninds.nih.gov

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), a part of the National Institutes of Health, is the leading U.S. federal government agency supporting research on brain and nervous system disorders. It provides the public with educational materials and information about these disorders.

American Stroke Association

7272 Greenville Avenue

Dallas, TX 75231

Phone:

1-888-4-STROKE (1-888-478-7653)

Web Address:

www.strokeassociation.org

This association provides information and referrals to local self-help groups for people who have had a stroke and for their families. Pamphlets and other information can be obtained by calling the Dallas office (toll-free).

CardioSmart

Web Address:

www.cardiosmart.org

CardioSmart is an online education and support program that can be your partner in heart health. This website engages, informs, and empowers people to take part in their own care and to work well with their health care teams. It has tools and resources to help you prevent, treat, and/or manage heart diseases.

You can set health and wellness goals and track your progress with online tools. You can track your weight, waist measurement, blood pressure, and activity. You can use calculators to help you find your body mass index (BMI) and check your risk for heart problems. You can search for a cardiologist. And you can find medicine information and prepare for your next appointment. Also, you can join online communities to connect with peers and take heart-healthy challenges.

CardioSmart was designed by cardiovascular professionals at the American College of Cardiology, a nonprofit medical society. Members include doctors, nurses, and surgeons.

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS): Nursing Home Compare

7500 Security Boulevard

Baltimore, MD 21244-1850

Phone:

1-877-267-2323 toll-free

Phone:

(410) 786-3000

TDD:

(410) 786-0727

Web Address:

www.medicare.gov/NHCompare/home.asp

Nursing Home Compare is a website with information about every Medicare- and Medicaid-certified nursing home in the country. The site allows you to search for nursing homes by name, city, county, state, or ZIP code. It also allows you to compare the quality of nursing homes using a five-star rating. The site also has information on alternatives to nursing homes, such as home care or assisted living.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is a federal agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. CMS administers Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). CMS also has other responsibilities, such as overseeing the health insurance portability standards, which include the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), and ensuring quality care standards in long-term care facilities and clinical laboratories.

Family Caregiver Alliance

785 Market Street

Suite 750

San Francisco, CA 94103

Phone:

1-800-445-8106(415) 434-3388

Email:

info@caregiver.org

Web Address:

www.caregiver.org

This organization supports and assists people who are providing long-term care at home. It also provides education, research, services, and advocacy.

National Stroke Association

9707 East Easter Lane, Suite B

Centennial, CO 80112

Phone:

1-800-STROKES (1-800-787-6537)

Fax:

(303) 649-1328

Email:

info@stroke.org

Web Address:

www.stroke.org

This association provides education, information, referrals, and research on stroke. Information specific to survivors, caregivers, family, women, and children is included.

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